Child Psychologist & Play Therapist

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Multidisciplinary team

Supportive workplace

Impactful work

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA is seeking a highly qualified Child Psychologist & Play Therapist to support children and adolescents with emotional and developmental challenges. You will apply play therapy and CBT in a safe, therapeutic environment.

You will join a multidisciplinary team, collaborate with families and schools, maintain confidential records, and stay current with research and ethics to improve young clients' mental well-being.

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Child Psychology, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Registered with the HPCSA as a Psychologist.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience working as a Child Psychologist, with a strong focus on play therapy.
• Demonstrated expertise in diagnostic assessment and therapeutic intervention with children and adolescents.
• Proficiency in various play therapy techniques (e.g., directive and non-directive play, art therapy).
• Excellent understanding of child development, psychopathology, and family systems.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to build strong therapeutic alliances with children and their families.
• Strong ethical principles and commitment to client confidentiality.
• Proficiency in relevant IT systems for record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments and diagnostic evaluations for children and adolescents.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans utilizing play therapy, CBT, and other appropriate therapeutic modalities.
• Provide direct psychotherapy sessions to children, fostering a safe space for emotional expression and processing.
• Engage children in age-appropriate therapeutic play activities to address concerns related to trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and developmental disorders.
• Collaborate closely with parents/guardians to provide support, guidance, and psychoeducation regarding their child's mental health.
• Liaise with schools, pediatricians, and other relevant professionals to ensure coordinated care.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date client records and progress notes.
• Stay abreast of the latest research, techniques, and ethical guidelines in child psychology and play therapy.
• Participate in case consultations and contribute to the development of best practices within the team.
• Conduct psychoeducational workshops for parents and educators when required.

Skills

Diagnostic assessment

Therapy with children

Play therapy techniques

CBT

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Ethical principles

Record-keeping IT systems

Education

Master's degree or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Child Psychology, or a related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly qualified and empathetic Child Psychologist & Play Therapist to join their esteemed practice in **Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA**. This role is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health services to children and adolescents facing emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. You will utilize play therapy techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and other evidence-based approaches to support young individuals. This position requires a deep understanding of child psychology and development, with a focus on creating a safe and therapeutic environment for healing and growth. Join a committed team striving to improve the mental well-being of children in **Polokwane** and the surrounding **Limpopo** region.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments and diagnostic evaluations for children and adolescents.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans utilizing play therapy, CBT, and other appropriate therapeutic modalities.
• Provide direct psychotherapy sessions to children, fostering a safe space for emotional expression and processing.
• Engage children in age-appropriate therapeutic play activities to address concerns related to trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and developmental disorders.
• Collaborate closely with parents/guardians to provide support, guidance, and psychoeducation regarding their child's mental health.
• Liaise with schools, pediatricians, and other relevant professionals to ensure coordinated care.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date client records and progress notes.
• Stay abreast of the latest research, techniques, and ethical guidelines in child psychology and play therapy.
• Participate in case consultations and contribute to the development of best practices within the team.
• Conduct psychoeducational workshops for parents and educators when required.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Child Psychology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Registration with the relevant South African professional board (e.g., HPCSA) as a Psychologist.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience working as a Child Psychologist, with a strong focus on play therapy.
• Demonstrated expertise in diagnostic assessment and therapeutic intervention with children and adolescents.
• Proficiency in various play therapy techniques (e.g., directive and non-directive play, art therapy).
• Excellent understanding of child development, psychopathology, and family systems.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to build strong therapeutic alliances with children and their families.
• Strong ethical principles and commitment to client confidentiality.
• Proficiency in relevant IT systems for record-keeping.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and specialized training in play therapy and child psychology.
• Work within a supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary team.
• The chance to make a profound difference in the mental health and well-being of children in **Polokwane**.
• Access to a diverse range of cases and clinical challenges.
• Professional growth opportunities within the organization.